Odd political merchandise is a staple of presidential elections, ranging from the widely popular campaign buttons and pins to the notorious MAGA hat.
The Democratic Party recently released new products on its website to help fund Democrats’ campaign efforts, just in time for the 2020 election. Democrats both young and old can show their support by carrying around a red, white, and blue tote that says, “Hate has no home here,” or even by wearing a pair of $15 socks that supposedly resemble the face of a donkey.
For the older folks who want to feel nostalgic about putting pins all over their clothing, they can also order an “elect dems” button or a rainbow donkey pin to display their pride.
Parents can put their adorable little ones into a “baby Democrat” onesie to show that, yes, they do in fact care about the environment, even though they made a controversial and conscious choice to have children.
Several Democratic hopefuls have followed suit, using the popular trend of selling political merchandise to their advantage and to help fund their campaign efforts. From Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar shirts, hats, and hoodies, to Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren-themed handkerchiefs, dog collars, and mugs, the possibilities to show your support are endless. Jewish supporters can even get their hands on a nifty Bernie 2020 yarmulke if they’re fans of the independent senator from Vermont.
Although political merchandise has become increasingly popular in recent years, the trend of supporting a particular candidate through one’s attire has been around since President George Washington’s inauguration.
In order to show their support of the first president of the United States, citizens would purchase commemorative copper buttons engraved with Washington’s initials, which were surrounded by the words “Long Live the President.” Voters continued to show their support through buttons and pins into the 19th and 20th centuries.
Whether you hate it or love it, political garb has long been a way for Americans to show their support or opposition for political parties and candidates since the very beginning. Yes, donkey socks are weird and pretty crazy, but if you want to show off your pride for the Democratic Party, by all means, feel free to get a little weird and crazy.
